Four Diamonds Fund
Encyclopedia
The Four Diamonds Fund is a charitable
organization based out of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Its ultimate objective is to "conquer childhood cancer
".
The fund was established in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard following the death of their son Chris from pediatric cancer. The name refers to The Four Diamonds
, a fantasy
story written by Chris shortly before succumbing to the disease at the age of 14.
These efforts are partially funded by the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), an annual student-run philanthropy at Penn State. The fund leads several events for the families and contributors. Events, such as the Annual 5K Run/Fun Walk are held annually. THON is a major contributor to the organization and as of 2011 has raised more than $78 million for the fund since 1977.
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
organization based out of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Its ultimate objective is to "conquer childhood cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
".
The fund was established in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard following the death of their son Chris from pediatric cancer. The name refers to The Four Diamonds
The Four Diamonds
The Four Diamonds is a fantasy short story written by Chris Millard in 1972 shortly before succumbing to cancer at the age of 14.-Story:After returning from summer vacation, his teacher told Chris' class to write a story about what they did during their vacation...
, a fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
story written by Chris shortly before succumbing to the disease at the age of 14.
Foundation
The Four Diamonds Fund takes a three-pronged approach to this: medical care, financial and emotional support, and pediatric cancer research. Any child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Hershey is eligible for support, and the fund's policy is to fully cover all medical costs not paid by insurance. Essentially, families never see a bill. Approximately 90 new families receive support each year.These efforts are partially funded by the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), an annual student-run philanthropy at Penn State. The fund leads several events for the families and contributors. Events, such as the Annual 5K Run/Fun Walk are held annually. THON is a major contributor to the organization and as of 2011 has raised more than $78 million for the fund since 1977.